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Dada Ahmed, Editor, The Reporters.
No fewer than 50 residents of Niger State, cutting across men, women, and children, are set to benefit from free dental care and surgical interventions as the state government rolls out an ambitious oral health initiative.
The programme, scheduled to take place within the next two weeks, forms part of broader plans by the state government to establish what officials describe as Nigeria’s largest medical mission, with a comprehensive dental package that will also incorporate counseling services for patients.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana, disclosed this on Thursday in Minna during a media briefing held at the Ministry of Health in Minna to commemorate the 2026 World Oral Health Day.
Speaking through the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Abdul Usman Imam, the commissioner said the initiative underscores the commitment of the Governor Umar Bago-led administration to strengthening the health sector and improving access to quality medical services.
He noted that this year’s theme, “A Happy Mouth, A Happy Life,” highlights the critical role of oral hygiene in overall wellbeing, stressing that early detection and proper care of dental issues are essential to preventing severe infections and complications.
Bagana further revealed that the government had recently recruited additional medical personnel to enhance service delivery across the state’s health facilities.
Also speaking, the Chief Dental Surgeon of the state, Dr. Charles Mgbemena, said the free dental outreach is being implemented in collaboration with the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA), Niger State chapter, as part of activities lined up to mark the global event.
He explained that although World Oral Health Day is officially observed on March 20, this year’s celebration was postponed in the state due to the Eid-el-Fitr festivities.
Mgbemena added that the commemorative activities include outreach visits to the Farid Centre for autistic children, Mariam Babangida Girls Secondary School, and the Kure Ultra-Modern Market, where residents received oral health education and basic dental care.
He disclosed that the event would culminate in the conferment of an honorary award on Governor Bago as “Patron of Oral Health,” alongside recognition of other individuals who have contributed significantly to promoting dental health in the state.
Report by Correspondent in Minna.
